GIGGS TO MISS WALES MATCHES AFTER ARREST
RYAN GIGGS has agreed to stand down from his role as Wales manager for the next three games after he was arrested over allegations of assaulting his girlfriend. The move will cast further doubt over Giggs’ future in the job following the incident at his £1.7million home in Worsley, Greater Manchester on Sunday night. The 46-year-old has denied the allegations that he attacked partner Kate Greville, and has been released on bail pending further enquiries. But, as revealed by MailOnline yesterday, the Welsh FA moved swiftly to act and Giggs agreed to stand down for next week’s friendly against the USA and the Nations League fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Finland. His assistant Robert Page is in temporary charge. A statement from the FAW read: ‘The Football Association of Wales and Ryan Giggs have mutually agreed that he will not be involved in the upcoming international camp. Our agreed immediate priority is preparing the team for the upcoming international matches. Robert Page, with Ryan’s support, will take charge for the next three matches against the USA,
Republic of Ireland and Finland supported by assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg. The squad for these upcoming matches will be announced on Thursday.’ The statement followed 24 hours of frantic talks between FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford, the organisation’s legal team and other senior officials — and the postponement of yesterday’s scheduled squad announcement. The FAW are set to conduct a more thorough investigation after the international break, suggesting Giggs could yet face more severe action. Sportsmail also understands they are considering appointing an interim coach to help Page in Giggs’s absence. Former Wales captain Ashley Williams, who is studying his coaching badges with the FAW, is emerging as a candidate if they decide to appoint someone on a short-term basis. Giggs took charge of Wales in 2018 and last year led his country to qualification for Euro 2020, which was postponed due to Covid-19 and is now due to take place next summer.
A representative for the former Manchester United star said: ‘Mr Giggs denies all allegations of assault made against him. He is co-operating with the police and will continue to assist them with their ongoing investigations.’
SALFORD CITY, part-owned by Giggs, are set to appoint Swindon Town’s Richie Wellens as their new manager. Paul Scholes had taken temporary charge following Graham Alexander’s sacking.